Straight Talk: Brother blackmailed when sister finds condoms

Dear Straight Talk: I'm 16, sharing a room with my 13-year-old sister because our single-parent mom can't afford otherwise. My sister snooped, found my hidden condoms and now she's blackmailing me. I have to pay her from my part-time job, which barely covers my expenses, make her bed and clean her part of the room.

If she tells, I'll be grounded and probably unable to see my girlfriend anymore. My girlfriend and I both turn 17 this year, have over a B average and have never been in trouble. You might say we shouldn't be having sex at our age, but it's not uncommon and I'm writing about the blackmail.

-- Blackmailed in Sacramento

Brie, 22, San Francisco: Your sister is watching too much "Gossip Girl." Tell your mom yourself. I was sexually active at 16, as are many others. You're being safe, you're earning your own money. Being honest shows additional responsibility. This warrants a sit-down talk, not grounding. Take the high road and don't tattle on your sister. She sounds stressed and open communication with your mom will set a good example. I hardly told my mom anything in high school and I regret that. Parents can be surprisingly understanding.

Nicole, 23, Santa Rosa: Sounds like the perfect opportunity to start an honest, adult relationship with your mom. I believe she should respect your relationship. If you do get grounded at least you were doing the right thing (by telling). Regarding the condoms, just buy more.

Taylor, 16, Santa Rosa: I'd be tempted to dig up a secret about her, LOL. But, no, don't add to the game. Chances are she's bluffing, so just tell her you can't afford to pay anymore, which is true. If she does tell, big deal. Your mom knows you're having sex. She probably did, too, at your age. You're grounded for a while, then it's over.

Katelyn, 19, Azusa: Your sister isn't after getting you into trouble or she would've tattled already. And if she does tell, the blackmail gives you something to tell, too. Don't let her boss you around any longer. Getting grounded is no worse than being blackmailed. Yes, your mom will know about your sexual relations, but there was always that chance.

Savannah, 19, Boston, Mass.: Why would your mom be so angry? Is she extremely religious? It's the 21st century, and if sex is committed and consensual and you're not too young, there shouldn't be a problem. Tell her yourself. I wouldn't be surprised if she understands and your sister is in more trouble than you.

Ochatre, 23, Kampala, Uganda: Man-up and share your story with your mom. She will either appreciate or scorn you, but it will be better than blackmail.

Dear Blackmailed: Telling your mom yourself is the unanimous advice from the panel -- and they do consider questions independently.

I always encourage minors to wait as long as possible before having even safe sex -- and if they are sexually active, to tell parents.

Anyone who's had an accidental pregnancy, debilitating heartache, or a STI understands why I encourage this. That said, Taylor's advice to call your sister's bluff will probably work. Enlighten her that blackmail is a felony and age-of-consent violations such as yours aren't even charged.